Are island boat tours in Nha Trang worth it?

Review of an evening catamaran trip (15:00–20:00, about 5 hours): swimming in the sea, dinner, drinks, and an onboard disco. The catamaran itself was quite small, but the trip was enjoyable.

Open-sea fishing trip was highlighted: travelers caught pufferfish, octopus, and various other fish, which the crew fried or prepared as sashimi right on the boat (when suitable fish was in the catch).

Timing tip: arriving with the first ferry means the beach is nearly empty, but more groups get dropped off every hour, and by about 10:30am the island gets crowded (mostly with Asian tour groups).

Another detailed review: kids had animators, adults had group exercise, and there was kayaking, fishing, and swimming in calm, wave-free water. Lunch included seafood plus crocodile and frog meat — guests self-grilled raw shrimp, squid, and frog legs at a table brazier, while the cook handed out the crocodile meat. Drinks were self-served, the day ended with a foam party, and birthday guests got a bottle of rum. The boat was open-air and the ride to the island took about 20 minutes.

Price for one tour: 800,000 VND for adults, 500,000 VND for children. The beach is small but clean, and fish in the water can be hand-fed.

There are also more laid-back options without a fishing focus: a roughly 5-hour catamaran trip is better for relaxing, scenic videos, and the overall sea experience than for actual fishing.

Some island tours are family-friendly: travelers mention a nice beach, an easy entry into the sea, and pre-lunch entertainment with contests that children can join.

One tour option provided waterproof bags and included a swim to an island with monks/monastery presence. That route was reviewed very positively.

There are pricier island packages at about $75: after a fairly average aquarium stop, the group goes to a semi-private beach for around 30 people with a bar, lunch, a foam party, tubing on dry slides, and feeding large fish. The boat leaves the island at about 14:30.

A family boat tour to three islands lasted about 5 hours and included snorkeling, fishing, and SUP boards. The water was clear, guides were attentive, and the pace was relaxed. The upper deck was available for sunbathing. Lunch was served on board — grilled BBQ, plenty of fruit, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Price was among the lowest found for this type of program.

A budget tour included a temple stop on the way out and a coastal snorkeling session by boat on the return. Worth noting: jellyfish were present in the water, which put some travelers off snorkeling.

The boat trip is considered excellent value for money. In one day you can fish, snorkel, dive, and enjoy a meal with rum and beer on board. Widely recommended as a must-do activity in Nha Trang.